How to meet people when you move to another country
· Callumbra
Moving to another country changes everything: language, customs, schedules and, above all, your network of people. The first months are usually the loneliest. These ideas help you build a new circle without losing the one you left behind.
Look for two kinds of groups
Sticking only with the first group is comfortable, but the second is what makes a place feel like yours.
- People from your country or who speak your language: they understand you and help with practical things.
- Locals: they teach you the culture, the humor and the places that aren't in the guidebooks.
Activities that work in any country
- Language exchanges: you offer your language and practice the local one.
- Group sports, classes and workshops with a set schedule.
- Volunteering.
- Activities at your workplace or where you study.
Learn how people make friends there
In some countries people invite you home quickly; in others, friendship builds slowly. Observe, ask and don't take it personally if it's hard at first.
Don't cut ties with your usual people
A weekly video call with your family or friends gives you stability while you build something new. And talking with people from other countries online is a good way to practice the language and feel less alone.
A way to start
On Callumbra you can talk on video with people from all over the world, in 16 languages, from your browser and with nothing to install. There's a language practice mode and a country filter. It's 18+ only.